Photos: The Edmonton Oilers fall 4-0 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rexall Place

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Richard Bachman (30) is scored on by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs fans ham it up in front of the Gretzky statue before an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs fans ham it up in front of the Gretzky statue before Edmonton Oilers-Maple Leafs game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Family friends Erik Bass from Saint John, N.B. and Malachy McGivery dressed up to take in an Edmonton Oilers - Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri (43) celebrate forward Phil Kessel's (81) goal during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Richard Bachman (30) makes a save as Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri (43) falls in front of his crease during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) makes a save during the first period of an NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Jones (28) is hit by Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dion Phaneuf (3) during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) falls on Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner (51) and into goaltender James Reimer (34) during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) reacts to getting a goaltender interference call against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) is grabbed by Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) after falling in the goaltender's crease during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner (89) reacts to a penalty against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ladislav Smid (5) hits Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul (19) to the ice during the second period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

The Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate forward Phil Kessel's (81) goal during the second period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) scores on goaltender Richard Bachman (30) during the second period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

A Leafs fan dances in the aisles as the Edmonton Oilers play the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Nick Schultz (15) dives to block a Toronto Maple Leafs shot during the second period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) tries an unsuccessful wrap-around on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) during the second period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) tries an unsuccessful shot on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) during the second period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Richard Bachman (30) makes a save against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Mark Arcobello (26) and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jay McClement (11) face off during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Andrew Ference (21) and forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) prepare for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner (89) is chased by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mason Raymond (12) during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Trevor Smith (23) prepares for a faceoff against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Denis Grebeshkov (37) moves to block Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri (43) during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs fans celebrate defenceman Morgan Reilly's goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs fans celebrate defenceman Morgan Reilly's goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

The Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate defenceman Morgan Reilly's (centre) goal during the third period of an NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Reilly (left) and forward Phil Kessel (81) celebrate Reilly's goal during the third period of an NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri (43) and forward Phil Kessel (81) celebrate teammate defenceman Morgan Reilly's goal during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Reilly (44) scores on Edmonton Oilers goaltender Richard Bachman (30) during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Richard Bachman (30) stops Toronto Maple Leafs forward James Van Riemsdyk (21) during the third period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. The Maple Leafs won 4-0. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner (89) warms up next to forward Will Acton (41) before the team faces the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Topics

If the Edmonton Oilers were supposed to be good at anything, given that it’s going to be a very long time before they’re good at everything, you’d think it would be an up-tempo, fast-paced, defence-be-damned track meet.

What, with all the speed and skill and all.

Well, on a humbling Tuesday night at Rexall Place, they couldn’t even win that.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, already bigger and stronger and tougher than the Oilers, proved better in the talent column, too, beating Edmonton at the run-and-gun game for the second time in two weeks.

On the heels of a 6-5 victory on home ice Oct. 12, Toronto dumped Edmonton 4-0 in the rematch.

“Who finished their chances and who didn’t was the difference for me,” said head coach Dallas Eakins, who didn’t think Toronto was four goals better. “I don’t believe we were out-competed, out-hit or out-shot. We were out-finished.”

That’s supposed to be what the Oilers do better than most, create and finish chances, but when the last of the Leafs fans had finished chanting, Phil Kessel, Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk had combined for eight points while Jordan Eberle, Sam Gagner and Nail Yakupov combined for minus 11.

A couple of games after Washington’s top line hung a minus 4 on the Ryan Nugent-Hopkins line, this.

“You have to handle that other line,” said Eakins, when asked about his top guys needing to be bailed out of mis-matches. “Our top players have to be able to play against the other team’s top players.”

Kessel was a force in this one, scoring twice and adding two assists for seven seven goals in his last four games while Kadri had a goal and two assists in the win.

“They buried their opportunities and that’s the only thing that matters in this game,” said Edmonton captain Andrew Ference, after a players-only meeting. “We put up shots, yeah, but we also gave them some pretty good opportunities to score, which they did.

“It’s something that we can’t accept, it’s something that we have to turn now. For the first five or six games we could focus on the fact we were taking steps in the right direction, but you hit a point in the season where that’s not acceptable. You have to be professional enough to push ourselves to demand more than just progress.”

They played a fast and solid first period, the shifted down in the second and let a 1-0 game turn into 3-0 after 40.

“We had a pretty decent first period, we played with speed,” said Ference. “Sure, you’re down by one but the game was there. The second period was just unacceptable with the drop in speed. Everybody was gliding all over the ice. We’re not in a position, points-wise, where we can accept that.”

The Leafs improved to 9-4-0 while the last-place Oilers have just three wins in their first 14 games.

After being out-shot 48-18 in Los Angeles, returning home to lay a terrible egg like this just sucks the air out of what was already a pretty empty balloon.

After a series of hard-fought and well-played losses, things seem to be getting worse, not better.

“It’s getting frustrating,” said defenceman Ladislav Smid. “We’re not consistent enough. We can’t sustain the same game for 60 minutes. It seems to be every game is the same story so obviously we have to change something.

“There are several things that are wrong right now. We talk about the right things every day, but we have to go out and do it on the ice. Nobody is going to do it for us. We have to wake up in here.”

LATE HITS: David Perron fell ill before the game, so the Oilers, with three goalies and eight defencemen on the 23-man roster, didn’t have a spare forward. Denis Grebeshkov drew in instead as Edmonton had no choice but to go with 7 D and 11 forwards.

If the Edmonton Oilers were supposed to be good at anything, given that it’s going to be a very long time before they’re good at everything, you’d think it would be an up-tempo, fast-paced, defence-be-damned track meet.

What, with all the speed and skill and all.

Well, on a humbling Tuesday night at Rexall Place, they couldn’t even win that.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, already bigger and stronger and tougher than the Oilers, proved better in the talent column, too, beating Edmonton at the run-and-gun game for the second time in two weeks.

On the heels of a 6-5 victory on home ice Oct. 12, Toronto dumped Edmonton 4-0 in the rematch.

In the end, Toronto’s best players were simply better than Edmonton’s, with Phil Kessel, Nasem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk collecting eight points while Jordan Eberle, Sam Gagner and Nail Yakupov were minus 11.

The Leafs, who led 1-0 after 20 minutes and 3-0 after 40, improved to 9-4-0 while the last-place Oilers have jus

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Photos: The Edmonton Oilers fall 4-0 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rexall Place